DURHAM – The Maine Department of Transportation is in the early stages of looking at replacement for the aging bridge that spans the Androscoggin River between Durham and Lisbon Falls.

According to Ben Condon, the Maine Department of Transportation’s project manager, the bridge, built in 1936, is nearing the end of its useful life and the department is doing some preliminary engineering work for a replacement.

“We are looking at replacing the bridge,” he said. “It would be very expensive to fix.”

Condon did not have any estimates on what a new bridge would cost, as a design had not been completed.

“Everything is preliminary,” he said.

While a replacement bridge is the most cost-efficient option, Condon was quick to say that the present bridge is not in danger of failing.

“The bridge is still safe to use,” Condon said, adding that if the department saw any problems with the bridge that connects Routes 9 and 125 in Durham and Lisbon Falls, there would be lane restrictions in place, or in the case of a major problem, it would be closed immediately.

Condon discussed the project at a public meeting at the Durham Fire Station last week. He said as of now, the department only has the money for the preliminary work and will be looking to secure the money for construction sometime late next year or early 2014.

At the meeting, Condon said, a number of residents expressed a desire to see the new bridge connect with Route 196 on the Lisbon side of the river, which would necessitate putting in a new intersection and building a longer bridge than is now in place. Based on that input, Condon said, engineers would consider the option when coming up with a plan.

Condon said the project team will be evaluating a number of options for the replacement bridge, and once a decision is made, the state would hold another public meeting to go over the new design and get public comment. He added that anyone with any questions or comments on the project could call him at 592-0921 or email ben.condon@maine.gov.

The Maine Department of Transportation is in the preliminary stages of designing a replacement for the bridge connecting Durham and Lisbon Falls. The present bridge was built in 1936. (Staff photo by Mike Higgins)